The best tourist attractions in Peru

Peru offers a wealth of stunning destinations to explore, including one of the seven wonders of the world in Cusco, Machu Picchu. The home of the sacred Andean Condor, the Colca Canyon in Arequipa. And the enigmatic Nazca Lines, a collection of mystical geoglyphs deep in the desert in the south of the country, which can be seen from a bird’s eye view aboard a small passenger plane. Peru invites you to experience a unique and unforgettable adventure whilst discovering the magic of these fascinating destinations!

Machu Picchu, Cusco, The Wonder of the World

Hidden deep in the mountains near Cusco, is one of the most emblematic destinations in the world, the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. It considered to be one of the Seven New Wonders of the Modern World and is one of the main tourist attractions in all of Peru. The beauty and mystery found within the sanctuary of Machu Picchu, attracts travellers from all over the world who wish to discover this archaeological jewel for themselves.

The citadel sits atop a mountain at an altitude of 2,430 m, surrounded by tropical jungle and mountain valleys. Its surrounding landscape offers breathtaking views and adds a mystical aura to the site.

Although it is still uncertain who built the complex, it is widely believed by archaeologists and historians, that the Inca Emperor Pachacútec built the citadel during his reign in the years 1438 to 1471. Due to its hidden location in the Andean jungle, the site remained undiscovered by the Spanish conquerors, making it one of the only unspoiled Inca sites left in the region. Infact the citadel was not rediscovered until 1911, when the American archaeologist Hiram Bingham encountered it on an expedition.

Machu Picchu stands as a testament to the advanced engineering and architecture of the Inca empire and attracts millions of visitors annually, who come to explore its temples, terraces, and plazas that have withstood the test of time.

Colca Valley and Canyon, Arequipa

With a depth exceeding 3,400 m, the Colca Canyon is the second deepest canyon in Peru, and one of the deepest in the world. It is home to a cascade of pre-Inca agricultural stepped terraces, called ‘andenes’, which the local inhabitants still cultivate today.

Visitors can also get to know the famous ‘Cruz del Condor’, a popular tourist viewpoint where Andean Condors can be seen flying overhead. Tourists are also treated to a variety of activities and adventure opportunities including zip lining, white water rafting, mountain biking as well as relaxing in the rejuvenating waters of its natural hot springs.

The canyon is bursting with picturesque traditional villages surrounding by mountainous, volcanic backdrops, and is home to plenty of ancient pre-Inca historical sites. An ideal destination for those seeking to combine nature, culture, and adventure all in one trip.

Choquequirao, Cusco, The New Wonder of the World

The archaeological site of Choquequirao is perched atop a mountain at an altitude of 3,050 m / 10,000 ft. The name means ‘Cradle of Gold’ in Quechua, but it is more commonly known as the ‘Sacred Sister of Machu Picchu’ due its resemblance to the Inca Citadel.

It is widely believed that the 15th century site was one of the last bastions of resistance and refuge of Inca royalty, after the siege of Cusco by the Spanish. In its entirety, Choquequirao spans 1,800 hectares, making it larger than the citadel of Machu Picchu. However currently only 40% of the ruins have been excavated.

To reach the site, visitors must embark on a multi-day hike through the deepest canyon in the world, the Apurimac Canyon. For this reason, the ruins are little known to tourists. Giving you more of an exclusive experience along the historic Andean Mountain trail.

Nazca Lines, Ica

The Nazca Lines are a collection of geoglyphs carved into the soil of the Nazca Desert in southern Peru. The patterns represent geometric shapes and animals, including a monkey, a hummingbird, and a whale, all of which are visible only from the air. The attraction has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and continues to be one of the most fascinating enigmas in world archaeology.

Its massive figures were created by the Nazca civilisation between 500 BC and 500 AD. Theories about their purpose include astronomical markers and irrigation channels and a possible relationship with extraterrestrial messaging. However today, the Nazca lines still remain an unsolved mystery since their discovery in 1927. One thing is certain, their prestige to the Peruvian people is surpassed only by the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Kuelap, Amazonas

Kuelap is a pre-Incan fortress located in the Amazonas region in the north of Peru. Situated at an altitude of 3,000 m atop a mountain that dominates the narrow valley of the Utcubamba River, this imposing fortress is known as the “Machu Picchu of the North”. Its monumental structures and panoramic view of the jungle valley is without doubt the most admirable testimony of the northeastern Andes of Peru.

Constructed by the Chachapoyas culture, this citadel boasts more than 400 structures, including temples, towering limestone walls and circular enclosures, showcasing the advanced architecture and ingenuity of its builders. Kuelap is an essential destination for those looking to explore the pre-Incan history of Peru.

Paracas National Reserve and Ballestas Islands, Ica

Paracas is the capital of the Ica region, located 245 km south of Lima along Pan-American highway. It is a small port town, a 4-hour bus from Lima, famed for being one of the major beach resorts of Peru. It is also home to the Paracas National Reserve which is the gateway to the biodiverse Ballestas Islands.

The warm, shallow waters of this section of the pacific, give life to a variety of marine fauna, unique to the region, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, dolphins and flamingos. The coastline is also home to the famous geoglyph, the El Candelabro de Paracas.

Visitors can enjoy wildlife-watching boat tours to the islands which are accessible from Paracas, offering a chance to explore rock formations, and learn about the ecological importance of the protected area.

Caral, Lima

Caral is the oldest civilization in the Americas, located in the middle of the Supe Valley, near Lima. At more than 5,000 years old, Caral is a culture that developed alongside the giants of Mesopotamia, Egypt and ancient China. Its sacred archaeological remains are a testament to the advanced society of that time.

Caral is notable for its pyramids, ceremonial plazas, and monumental architecture, reflecting a high degree of social organization and advanced engineering. The complex has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009, and is a vital destination for those who wish to understand the roots of Peru’s Andean civilizations.

Vinicunca, Cusco, The Mountain of Seven Colours

The Mountain of seven colours, or Vinicunca as it is locally known, is one of Cusco’s most prized natural attractions as it offers a stunning array of colours, ranging from red and yellow to green and blue. It is located in the Andes mountains, 3 hours’ drive from Cusco city, at an altitude of 5,000 m / 16,404 ft. It is a popular destination for hikers and adventure enthusiasts, thanks to its high-altitude mountain trails and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Andes mountains.

To reach it, visitors are advised to acclimatize for at least one day in the city of Cusco beforehand, since the city sits at an altitude of 3,400 m / 11,155 ft. This will reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness and ensure you have the most fulfilling experience at the summit. The striking colours of the Rainbow Mountain and its surrounding Red Valley, brings thousands of visitors to its viewpoint every year.

Explore these incredible destinations and let Peru captivate you with its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse culture. Your journey through Peru’s wonders is sure to be an unforgettable one.